Let us do something, while we have the chance, partner.

Still don't own Chuck.

"That is all her."

-Chuck episode 3.17

Chapter 21—Cornered

Los Angeles
December 24, 1870

When Chuck got back to the bedroom, he gave Sarah a hug and kissed her. She did not let go and held him. They continued to kiss until Lisa knocked and came back to the room. "We'll have to get down there. Casey should be going nuts by now. And I do want to see this."

To say it was a mad rush would be an understatement. It was closer to when the kids are told they can open their presents. Chuck did not stay in the lead. Lisa soon sprinted passed. They barely stopped in time as they went down the stairs to the back yard.

Casey was there dressed as Santa sitting on a rather large chair. He was clothed in a red coat and pants that were edged in white fur. He had a big cape the flowed around the chair. The outfit included a big black belt and boots that matched. He wore a pointed red hat that flopped to the side with holly around the brim. Underneath the big white beard he would call out a name on the package and the recipient would come forward.

Next to him the green clothed elf would past the gift to him. Morgan thought it was hiliarious. He would reach down and go through the stack to see which present to pick out next. At the time he had a streak going calling the names of the older ladies present.

As soon as Casey saw Chuck, Casey would present a gift and look back at Chuck. Chuck knew there were daggers in those eyes. He felt sorry, but then Sarah and Lisa were smiling too.

Carina came over, "If you getting shot in the chest, means I get to see this, you better get a better vest. This is priceless."

Chuck returned her smile and said, "Well then, Merry Christmas."

Los Angeles
December 25, 1870

After breakfast Sarah noticed how Chuck was acting. Ellie noticed it too. Chuck managed to get out of the house without too many questions. Chuck and Casey headed over to Jeff and Lester's stables. Sarah was helping clean up. Ellie still curious about Chuck and Sarah asked, "Do you know what Chuck was trying to get ready for this morning?"

Sarah thought about last night and began to worry that Chuck had seen another killer waiting for them. She was a little surprised Ellie knew something was happening, "What do you mean? He was just getting over the fall from last night." She tried to pass it off.

"No, he has that look when he has decided something and is trying to figure out how to do it," Ellie explained. "It's like he always does before making a big purchase. He looks at it for a while, finally decides and then tries to figure out when the best time is to buy it." She looked at Sarah and almost in a squeal, "Oh, is he going to ask?"

"What?" Sarah looked at Ellie and then blushed. She knew then that if Chuck asked she would say yes.

Lisa and Carina saw it and smiled.

Chuck and Casey went to Jeff and Lester's stables to pick up Hiram. Chuck was on his horse and Casey had Chuck's buckboard. Jeff had picked Hiram up at Santa Monica earlier that morning. When Chuck and Casey got to the stables Jeff was just pulling into the stables. The doors to the stagecoach opened and one of the passengers was Hiram. Casey pulled the buckboard next to the stage and they moved Hiram's luggage to it. Heading back to town, they met up with Morgan.

Chuck nodded to him, "Good morning and Merry Christmas."

"And Merry Christmas to you." Morgan looked Chuck over, "You alright this morning? What did you fall on?"

"Oh, it was really stupid. We were in such a rush that I did not put my suitcase away, and I tripped on it," Chuck explained. He felt bad about it but knew he still needed to keep Morgan in the dark about what he did.

"Well dude, be a little more careful. We don't want you to get hurt before you ask," Morgan said smiling.

"Ask? Ask what Morgan?" Chuck felt like he was being cornered.

"Oh come on, I saw the way you were acting last night," Morgan answered.

Chuck was starting to get tired of this. Either Morgan knew he was going to ask her or, "Morgan, what are you talking about?"

"Oh you know, just like Emmett, you have gold fever. You're going to ask your sister and then never come back." Morgan whined.

"What?" Chuck looked at Casey for some help. Casey just shook his head. Chuck turned back to Morgan, "No buddy, I am not leaving. Or at least not to go mining."

"So, you are going to leave?" Morgan asked.

"No Morgan," Chuck thought about that. They were likely going to leave and go back to San Francisco within a week. "Well, not permanently. I was going to take Sarah back up to San Francisco."

"That's it. That's it." Morgan was getting excited. "You're going to ask her." They pulled up to Ellie's house. Morgan saw Sarah, "Congratulations."

Chuck looked at Morgan. Morgan knew and now he figured Casey did too. He shook his head, now he would have to do it sooner than he thought. His mind started to race ahead. They already had breakfast and while they did give presents last night, those presents were not the real ones. Chuck knew.

After dropping Hiram and his luggage at the door, they took the horses around back to the barn and went in the backdoor to the house. Ellie greeted Morgan, "Merry Christmas." Then she said, "Chuck, we are ready if you are."

Chuck came through the door into the kitchen, "I'll be right down." Chuck waved at Sarah. She was on the other side of the dinning room getting the coffee service.

Chuck came back to the living room. Everyone had taken a seat. Sarah was in one of the living chairs. Chuck pulled one of the chairs from the dinning room to sit next to her. Ellie and Devon were getting the presents and handing them out.

Ellie got the honor of opening the first present. It was from Devon. She opened it and blushed. It was a new nightgown. Devon got a new tie. Lisa opened hers from her grandfather. She was happy to see a new necklace.

Chuck got down from his chair and picked something up from under the tree. He was on his knee when he turned back to Sarah. He switched the present from the tree and presented the small box to Sarah, "Merry Christmas, I love you. Please marry me."

Sarah quickly remembered back to Ellie and their discussion. She let Chuck slip the ring on her finger, "Yes, of course. I love you and Merry Christmas." She bent down and gave Chuck a kiss.

There was a small squeal in the background and then applause. Casey and Devon gave Chuck a big bear hug. All the ladies looked at the ring with ahhhs and oohs, and gave Sarah a kiss on the cheek and hug.

Hiram shook Chuck's hand and gave Sarah a kiss on the cheek. He told her, "I am proud of you. You have done well."

Morgan was almost in tears. He shook Chuck's hand and then gave him a hug. "I knew you were leaving."

Chuck looked at him, "No, we're not. We'll stay here." Then he thought about it, "Well, most of the time."

Before they sat back Chuck took Sarah in his arms and kissed her. "Merry Christmas again." They finished their gifts and held hands.

Since it was such a nice warm day outside Chuck, Hiram and the gentlemen retired to the porch as the ladies began the final preparations for Christmas dinner.

Casey got out one of his cigars that Carina gave him as a Christmas present. He held the tin out and offered them to the others. Ellie brought out a pitcher of suitably enhanced eggnog. Casey had a glass of Walker's Old Highland.

While Devon and Morgan were out of the room, Hiram said, "Looks like we can wrap things up rather quickly. I do have the paper work with me. There are only three deals that have to be finalized in San Francisco. You can do that at the end of the week."

Chuck smiled, "So what will be the damage to Fulcrum?"

"Pretty substantial, they won't be able to get anywhere in the oil business, at least not here. As for gold, I still think there are gold fields out there we have not discovered, but you'll have them cornered in the existing mining community." Hiram took a puff on his cigar, "You know they will concentrate on you. I know they have been after you, but now you'll be their single focus."

"I know, but I think this will work." Chuck added, "Otherwise, I wouldn't have asked Sarah to marry me. And we will be able to keep Lisa safe."

Casey added, "Actually, she has come a long way. She can certainly do a good job taking care of herself."

"Thank you for that. I know she has learned quite a bit from all of you. She seems more confident and sure of herself and certainly acts capable." Hiram saw Devon and Morgan coming back. "So what delicacies are Ellie and everyone preparing today?"

Devon smiled, "They only have a small fare for us. There are a couple puddings, oyster soup, a goose, a couple pheasants, potatoes, corn, beans, breads, cookies and desserts."

Hiram laughed, "Well, that ought to be enough to hold us over."

Chuck remembered packing the refrigerator. "Well, if that is not enough, there are left overs from last night."

"Yes, I am sure dinner will be fine," Hiram laughed again.

"Well, dinner is served," Ellie said as she came out the front door.

They got their seats around the table. Devon gave a toast and Chuck the blessing. Ellie was happy that everyone was there. After the platters were passed, everyone dug into their meal.

Ellie asked Sarah, "Have you made any plans about the wedding?"

Chuck knew there would be questions, but things had to be taken care of first before they could really plan, "No Ellie, we haven't had a chance to talk about it."

Ellie said, "Well, there is that nice little chapel on the Ramirez ranch next to the orphanage."

"Actually not a bad idea, I'll show it to Sarah when we have time. But we haven't started anything," Chuck replied a little more testily.

Devon broke in, "So what did happen with you gold mine?"

Chuck smiled. He knew he'd have to answer this one, "Henry, the fellow with the mine next to my claim, got a crew to come work both mines. The reports we have been getting show they are doing well. That means we are making enough to pay the crews and still make some money for us."

Sarah thought some questions about Devon or Ellie's work would deflect the probes into their activities. She began with a simple question about the orphanage kids and that kept it going. Chuck squeezed her hand and mouthed thank you.

Los Angeles
December 27, 1870

Chuck had them meet at Castle that morning. Hiram started with the oil deals.

"First, I was able to use your claims in British Columbia and records of the assay office to establish a new line of credit. And Chuck, I made the assumption that the full proceeds of the Visalia mine could be used.

"As you already heard John Rockefeller is making a move to consolidate oil refining in Ohio. This first deal is with them. Since you made arrangements to produce oil at the Bakersfield area and with the investments you made by buying the fields in Northern California, the initial shipments will be from those fields. The deal also allows your company to sell oil at reasonable rates to his company from all of your fields and those you have investments in. Here's the paperwork for that. You'll need to sign in the places marked." Hiram gave the papers to Chuck to begin the signing process. Chuck, then Sarah, Lisa, Casey and Carina would sign each of the papers.

"The next two fall in line with what Sarah started with Atlantic Oil. And thanks to Sarah's shipping department and Chris Langdell for the information and initial contacts. We have two companies from Pennsylvania. The agreements allow you ten percent interest in the companies and enough control to keep Fulcrum out of their operations.

"The nice thing about those two arrangements was the information about Fulcrum and Roark's operations were spread quickly through the remaining Pennsylvania companies. One of them came to us with this deal to shore up their company. You'll own forty percent of their company. Chris reviewed their management and is sending one of his students for a senior project to ensure they stay on track.

"Next gold mines. I think you have taken care of the claims in British Columbia. The word I received was that after the dramatic showdown, the miners are not selling to anyone associated with Fulcrum or Ted Roark.

"These agreements and claim papers will complete the transactions for the available mines in Northern California, Wyoming, and Colorado. While the total action uses your available funds, the only open mining area becomes that around Chuck's mine at Visalia. And finally with these papers comes the title to a ranch outside of Visalia. It was tied to one of the mines being purchased." Hiram passed out the final paperwork. "Now, I'll register these at Sacramento on the way back. You'll need to stop by San Francisco for these three."

Chuck finished signing, "So, how long do we have until they figure out what we have done?"

Hiram shrugged, "They already know what you did in British Columbia. They know you own the oil field in Bakersfield and one of the mines near Visalia. It's been a month since you brought those claims and properties at the auction. And I would assume they know about that. It should be about two weeks or so before the word gets out on these transactions, and it will get out. Pennsylvania is an example. The oil producers there know about you and will be blocking any Fulcrum activity.

"I'd say about the middle of January. You'll have every available Fulcrum agent after you and everyone else here," Hiram ended.

"Yes, I know Grandpa," Lisa said as she signed her last paper.

Casey grunted as he signed his, "We'll take care of her."

Sarah added, "Yes, we will." She checked her telegraph messages. "We do have a ship coming for pick up tomorrow at Santa Monica. We can all head up to San Francisco. And I'll ask to come back on Monday. Is that okay?"

Chuck thought about a nice weekend in San Francisco, a nice New Year's Eve with a play at the theatre and dinner and dancing at the hotel. He saw everyone's head nodding in agreement to going, "I think that is fine."

North of Santa Monica
December 28, 1870

Sarah had spent the morning going over her company's activities with the Admiral. Chuck had been down in the engine room working on the second engine. After he washed up and they had lunch with the captain. Then Chuck, Sarah, Lisa and Carina were sitting out on the deck of the ship. It was another nice day and the seas were calm. The chairs laid back and had pillows. Each had a light blanket covering them.

"Are you making any money running your ships up and down the coast?" Lisa asked.

Sarah, who had been looking at Chuck, turned to Lisa. "Oh well, the Admiral said we are breaking even on the trips that have been just for us. But we are shipping back and forth between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Since the railroad does not go all the way through, it is faster than using the roads. Also, if the cargo is heavy, this is certainly a better way to ship." She heard a chuckle from behind, "What? You know that's right. Without the railroad going through, shipping is the best way."

"I know. And you are right. I am just happy, and I'm sure that the Admiral would be happy too." Chuck ducked as one of the pillows crossing the path of his head.

Sarah settled back, "Well, with the agreement I have with Mei-Ling and her government, our company now has an open route between San Francisco and Shanghai. We can ship faster between Shanghai and Europe by shipping to San Francisco, and using the transcontinental railroads and then our ships on the east coast to Europe, than either the route around South America or the Africa. While we were in British Columbia, the Admiral set that line up. He already has shipments scheduled through next year." She smiled at Chuck, "So, do you want to know the good part?"

Chuck smiled back, "Of course."

"It means that the bigger part of our company is swinging to the west coast." She saw Chuck smiling. Sarah continued, "I won't have to go back east as often."

"Great," Chuck swung over so he could give her a kiss. "That's great news. I mean we'll go anywhere we need to, but I do like Los Angeles."

A/N Okay Partners, little history.

Macys introduced Santa to their store window in 1870. Also, see Thomas Nash drawings of Santa during that period. See Google

Engagement rings were used in the 19th Century. According to one report they were more standard in the end of the century. See Google.

Okay, think I had mentioned this before for Casey, but Walker's Old Highland appears to be the Scotch of the time. See Wikipedia.

Did check, they had refrigerators back then. Doesn't sound like they would be that efficient, but I assume they worked. See Google.

Early crude production in 1870 shows Pennsylvania in the lead, followed by West Virginia, California and Ohio. See Google.

Took a while, but did find that there were New Year's Celebrations back in 1870, the Denver Rocky Mountain News reported a New Year's Eve Ball at Cole's Hall. See Historical Newspapers Online.

Found a reference to "Monte Cristo" be performed at the California Theatre being sold out every day, in the December 31, 1870 issue of the Daily Alta California. See Historical Newspapers Online.

Partner, Please leave a review.